WHICH WAY ? OH ! THAT WAYOH !

WAYOH RESERVOIR 6.5 miles

Walkers :- Anthony, Harry, Danny, Jim C, Jim D
                  John R,  John W,  Mike,   Martin. ( 9 )

After departing Preston at our usual time we cruised along the motorways (M6 M61 M65) to Darwen where John R insisted on using the vernacular and referring to the town as "Darren". "Darren" proved so interesting that we did the "Guided Tour" (Got lost !) before carrying on past the magnificent India Mills factory chimney to the car park next to the reservoirs. 
A few minutes later we were walking along the shores of one of Wayoh's sister waters.

 This was obviously a popular local destination as we encountered other ramblers, dog walkers and joggers as we sallied forth .

The path was well constructed and level and we made good progress along the picturesque banks with our attention being drawn to the waterfowl to be seen particularly two extremely vociferous Canada geese who seemed to resent our intrusion into their world and flew honking across challenge us to a "Stare Out".

Arriving at the top of the first reservoir, a bridge and a well "stoned" riverbank offered a comfortable place for coffee/tea/soup.

Martin as usual produced his "Fire Water" (I really must find out it's proper name.) and after a convivial quarter hour of beverages and banter we set off again. This time uphill and away (for the time being) from the water.

After climbing quite steeply for several minutes the path rounded a bend and presented, before us, quite a spectacular cliff face. The overall appearance was enhanced by the ochre-red staining on the surface of the rocks. The sharply smooth face of the cliff led your writer to suspect that some of the stone used in the construction of the reservoir or it's building might have been quarried here.

The path was very sensible and did not attempt to continue straight ahead (ropes and carabiners were not to be had) but wove it's way around this formidable barrier showing us as it did that snow had recently carpeted the area. A little remained.

 Once past the rocky obstacle and now "dangerously" above the snow line the path continued it's upward journey until it reached the highway.  (Blackburn to Bolton)

 We edged along this busy road for perhaps 3/4  of a mile before leaving this and encountering a possibly prophetic signpost. 

We were now well above the level of the reservoirs and surrounded by hill farm land beyond which the rolling profiles of the West Pennine Moors reached out from their big relatives - the real Pennines.

The track still rose steadily until we reached the zenith of our walk. Here we paused to partake of lunch (That's an unnecessarily flowery way to say "Ate our Butties") We had noticed some time before that Martin was being hindered by an injury incurred when he had recently battled with a recalcitrant DVD player. A pulled Muscle, torn ligament, whatever,  was severely discomfiting him.

 Technology 1   Martin 0

Martin takes the weight of his leg whilst.........

........Harry, meerkat like, stands guard and keeps watch.

We now began the descent back to the reservoirs. The rough and rather wet (inevitably) track took us rapidly down hill before spewing out onto a "real" surfaced road. This in turn took us to the tiny hamlet of Entwistle were a pub caught our attention with it's rather curious name. "The STRAWBURY DUCK" A helpful, local delivery man was happy to explain it's origin. He told us that some years before a gentleman with rather more money than common sense, bought the pub. His name was "Duxbury" (Ducksbury ?) and he built his name into the pub's new title. 

 

The pub's original name had been "The Railway Inn" and as we turned away from it the reason became obvious.

From here it wasn't long before we were walking, once more along reservoir banks. 

With only two of our regulars missing it was a "No Brainer" (Don't you just hate that expression ?) to do a group photo. John W was fiddling with his "Gorrilla Pod" (No tasteless comments please) when a charming young lady came along and offered to take the group photo for us. THANK YOU !

 Smile please... That means you too John W !

The above photo was taken on an embankment between two reservoirs and in the background you may well be able to see the handsome railway viaduct under which we would be passing as we made our way back to the car park.
Our walk was now drawing to an end but not before we noticed that certain fellows had TEFLON kit. Danny tramped straight through a large muddy puddle yet his boots remained steadfastly clean.  And...... Whose are these pristine gaiters ?

Once over the reservoir the path climbed away into the woodland  and not long after we stopped just below the arches of the railway viaduct to have a rest and finish our flasks.

 Final coffee break

 ....and a passing train salutes our walking achievements

 The path we were following was well made with a good surface and clearly cut steps and so our progress to the car park was made easier and more rapid. 

  A brief rest (photo stop) on the well-made path.

 back at the car park, natures confusion with the weather was further compounded by Martin offering us the summer drink (Shandy) even though he had already dispensed his winter warmer. (That unspellable one) HOWEVER "For what we have received may we all be truly thankful"  AND WE ARE !

A Good walk once again. Well done.

A few extra photos.........

 

 Tea for two ?

Visitors welcome....
............but Danny ? 

       Where's this ? ....... Spireton-on-the-Water perhaps ?